Five arrested for muggings on Table Mountain

FIVE men allegedly responsible for terrorising hikers on trails on Table Mountain for almost two years have been arrested by police, and are now awaiting trial.

Andre van Schalkwyk, of the Table Mountain Safety Action Group, confirmed the arrests and said he hoped this would end the muggings.

Two to three muggings monthly had been reported on the mountain since January 1.

Van Schalkwyk said that apart from the Hoerikwaggo trail, the Sandy Bay, Karbonkelberg, Tokai Forest and Constantiaberg areas were hot spots.

He said the modus operandi of the attacks was similar to others over the past two years. “The key was that these hikers were being tied up. This is unusual for these types of contact crimes.”

Three of the five men were arrested after a SANParks ranger overheard them planning their next attack. The other two were arrested after a house in Imizamo Yethu was searched, and alleged stolen goods found.

“The hikers are usually robbed of things like cellphones, wallets, jewellery, bicycles and clothing,” said Van Schalkwyk.

The last incident earlier this month was when a jogger was knocked out during a robbery on Constantiaberg, he said.

Van Schalkwyk said hikers should make a note of the emergency numbers before setting off, and be vigilant when on the mountain. In the event of an attack, they should hand over their goods and not fight back.

“Forget pepper spray as that only creates aggression and escalates the matter.”

He added that “the authorities are not making any extra effort to deal with the issue”.

SANPArks regional spokeswoman Merle Collins said however that they had increased the number of patrols around the mugging hot spots.

“We normally respond to an increase in criminal activities in a particular area by increasing patrols and stakeouts and establishing observation points. These have proven to be successful, as in the case of the arrest of the suspects.”

Collins added that they advised hikers not to hike alone but in groups of four or more, and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately.

“Also, they need to lay charges at the local police if they become the victims of any criminal act, in order for the incident to be investigated.”

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Andre Traut said the five suspects, aged between 25 and 29, appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday and Tuesday.

Three suspects appeared on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and the other two on charges of possession of suspected stolen goods.